President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the successful elimination of a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, during a joint counterterrorism operation conducted by Nigerian and United States forces in the Lake Chad Basin.
In a statement released Saturday through presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President described the overnight mission as “a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism.”
According to the statement, Nigerian Armed Forces worked closely with the United States Armed Forces in what Tinubu described as a “daring joint operation” targeting the compound of the ISIS leader in the Lake Chad region.
“Early assessments confirm the elimination of the wanted IS senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, along with several of his lieutenants, during a strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin,” the statement said.
Tinubu praised the cooperation between both countries, noting that Nigeria values its security partnership with the United States in confronting terrorism and insurgency.
“Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives,” the President stated.
He also expressed appreciation to Donald Trump for what he described as “leadership and unwavering support” in the operation.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort,” Tinubu added.
The President further commended military personnel from both countries for their “professionalism and courage,” while expressing hope for more coordinated offensives against terrorist groups operating across Nigeria.
“I look forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation,” he said. #Securitynewsalert.com
